A Call to the International Cultural, Artistic, and Academic Community

Students in the Republic of Serbia have been protesting for three months now, all the while suffering escalating violence, i.e., vicious car attacks and baseball bat beatings.

We hope for broader, world media attention to force the Serbian government to stop the violence and meet the students' demands.

On November 1st, 2024, a recently renovated train station in the city of Novi Sad collapsed, killing 15 people and severely injuring two others. This preventable tragedy, a result of unchecked corruption and criminal negligence, catalyzed daily silent protests across Serbia, where citizens stand still for 15 minutes in remembrance of the victims.

However, these protests represent a broader resistance to systemic corruption, to the erosion of institutional independence, and to total state control over all media with national frequency.

The first attack on students occurred at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, where a group linked to the ruling party physically assaulted students engaged in peaceful protest. This event triggered a nationwide wave of student-led resistance, culminating in university blockades that halted all academic activity across the country.

Students have self-organized and articulated clear and actionable demands. Among other things, they are calling for full transparency regarding the Novi Sad station collapse and accountability for those responsible. They also demand legal consequences for those who executed attacks on peaceful demonstrators.

Instead of initiating negotiations, government officials have incited violence via the state controlled media, labelling students as “foreign agents.”

On January 28, 2025, the protests resulted in the Serbian Prime Minister’s resignation, and the consequent dissolution of the Serbian government. However, this is not a meaningful change. Corrupt officials remain in power, students' demands aren't met, and the cycle of repression continues.

The world media have not given these events enough attention. We urge you to spread the word, share this petition, and amplify the voices of students in Serbia who are fighting for democracy, justice, and the lives of all people in Serbia, including their own.

Sign this petition and stand with Serbian students!